Ghana, Nigeria Move to Rebuild Trade Ties as AfCFTA Enters Execution Phase

Ghana and Nigeria have agreed to deepen bilateral trade cooperation in a renewed effort to unlock the commercial potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signalling a strategic shift from policy commitments to practical implementation.

The renewed engagement comes as both countries seek to remove longstanding barriers that have constrained cross-border commerce despite being two of West Africa’s largest economies. Officials say closer cooperation will focus on facilitating trade, improving market access and strengthening economic integration across the ECOWAS region.

During talks with Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Shehu I.L.U. Barde, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stressed that the success of AfCFTA depends heavily on stronger collaboration between Accra and Abuja. He argued that reducing trade bottlenecks and enhancing the free movement of goods and services would not only benefit both economies but also reinforce confidence in the continent’s flagship trade agreement.

The discussions also highlighted the need to accelerate regional financial integration, with Ghana advocating renewed momentum behind the proposed ECO single currency. According to the minister, a common regional currency would lower transaction costs, simplify cross-border payments and improve the competitiveness of businesses operating across West Africa.

Beyond trade, investment protection emerged as a key issue. Ghana urged Nigerian authorities to investigate reported attacks on properties linked to Ghanaian investor Sir Sam Jonah, underscoring that investor confidence remains central to achieving the broader objectives of regional economic integration.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate reaffirmed Abuja’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, pledging to work with Ghana to resolve outstanding investment concerns while advancing cooperation in trade and economic development.

The renewed partnership reflects growing recognition that AfCFTA’s success will be measured less by signed agreements than by the volume of trade they generate. For Ghana and Nigeria, translating political goodwill into smoother border procedures, stronger investment protection and expanded commercial activity could become one of the defining tests of the continent’s drive toward a single African market.